Unwrapped: A day in Wonderland

This past weekend, I was rummaging through boxes in my home office and found tons of old sketches and illustrations when I was in High School. It was like going to a flea market and trying to look for treasures. These were actually done when I was 16 yrs old in 1997...wow, time flies! I actually remember doing these for one of my fashion illustration classes. I had the best teachers and best time at the High School of Fashion Industries in NYC. I was one of those kids that was extremely driven and highly inspired by McQueen and the old design houses of Balenciaga, Charles James, Christian Dior, Hubert Givenchy, Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

Here is a close up of the "Viva el Carnaval" watercolor painting I created to celebrate the Dominican Republic Independence day which is February 27th. On the background is one of the most respected monuments in DR- "Basilica de Higüey" which is about an hour away from Punta Cana and Bavaro beach. This cathedral holds the famous painting of the "Virgen de la Altagracia", brought by the Spaniards in the 15th century. The painting was moved from its original location in the 500 year old church of San Dionisio. Every year on Virgin of La Altagracia Day (January 21), a national holiday, tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the Cathedral. I used to go every year as a kid living in the Dominican Republic and from what I remember it was a long trip from my hometown in Santiago, but it was fun going with the whole family. I know the dress with the Dominican flag is kinda cheesy, but I love the illustration, and for being 16 yrs old, not too bad?

After finding my illustrations, I was inspired to take out my collection of PrimasColor, Chartpak, and Pantone markers. I started sketching some new collections...will keep you guys posted!

Every week, I go to my magazine guy and dig through boxes of magazines. This weekend was one of the best batches I have ever gotten from him. I got tons of international magazines like Casa, Vogue Living, Architectural Digest (lots of old issues), Muse Magazine, Modern, Italian/French/British Vogue's, Travel Mags, and current issues of Elle Decor and House Beautiful. I am thinking of featuring some of these articles and pictures on the blog. What you think, would you like to see some of them? If so, be in the lookout! Do you see that Domino peeking out? Gosh I miss that magazine like no other!

What a mess...I can't help it, I am a magazine and book junkie! I was up till 5am on Saturday night going through all these magazines...there was so much inspiration, that I did not want to go to bed and waste time sleeping! Days like these are like heaven....so what are your days in wonderland like?